HC Deb 22 July 2004 vol 424 cc483-4
16. Mr. David Cameron (Witney) (Con)

What discussions she has had with (a) the National Farmers Union and (b) other farming organisations about ensuring a strong domestic market for the produce of British farmers. [185759]

The Minister for Rural Affairs and Local Environmental Quality (Alun Michael)

All Ministers at DEFRA, including my right hon. Friend the Secretary of State, regularly meet farming organisations, including the NFU. Our policies are designed to give farming a sustainable future, which will be helped by the hard-won reforms to the common agricultural policy.

Mr. Cameron

Does the Minister agree that the best friend of the British farmer is the well-informed British consumer insisting on quality British produce? Does he agree that it is difficult to insist on quality British produce without proper labelling? Will he explain the Government's position in principle on country of origin labelling and why they cannot do more in practice on supermarket pre-cooked meals, which often include produce from foreign countries where welfare standards are low and food is often pumped full of drugs?

Alun Michael

A well-informed consumer is certainly a good friend to the farmer. Another good friend is the Government, who have assisted the farming industry with their marketing. Consumers have responded positively to the many brands that are now identified as local and regional in this country, which has enabled many farmers to be successful. Linking farmers with their markets and what consumers want creates a two-way process between the consumer and the farmer, which is the best way forward. That approach underpins our plans for a sustainable future for farming and food.